Yes, Benjamin-san and Kendra-san will receive the full 2017 OKNP sponsorship from Seishin International, KARATEbyJesse.com and DOJO Bar as outlined in the programme description (below).

However…

Since we received soooo many amazing applications, the invitation has been extended to 7 more people, who will be able to join the programme (without the full sponsorship) and get help with local accommodation, travel, work, training etc.

They are:

Karrin Pitt, USA

David Kraus, Czech Republic

Francois Staring, Belgium

Joshua La Selva, Canada

Nicolas Rafael Ramirez, Colombia

Maxwell Honey, USA

Jose Manuel Haces, Mexico

Congratulations to all of you!

Me and James were impressed by your knowledge, passion and dedication to Karate. A secret OKNP Facebook group has been created where you will be able to connect with each other before embarking on the trip of a lifetime.

For those who were not selected, don’t worry. The OKNP participants will share their journey online via monthly blogs, until the next application period (Dec 1-31).

Until then, “gambatte kudasai” (“keep fighting”)!

Greetings from Okinawa.

/ Jesse & James

______________

About The OKNP Programme

Would you like to experience Okinawa – the birthplace of Karate?

Today is your lucky day!

Introducing…

OKNP is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for two young Karate Nerds between the ages of 18-35 to fly to Okinawa and live there for 6-12 months and experience the Way of Karate at its source.

This programme is the result of an exclusive collaboration between myself, KARATEbyJesse.com, and James Pankiewicz, founder of The DOJO Bar & Cafe / Challenge Okinawa, together with Seishin International as proud sponsor.

If you are a young Karate Nerd who dreams of discovering the essence of Karate (…and yourself) – keep reading.

The Okinawan Karate Nerd Programme includes:

– 6 or 12 months living in Okinawa – the birthplace of Karate.

– Daily training with traditional Karate masters and living legends.

– Hands on involvement behind the scenes in Okinawan seminars and events.

– Working part time at The DOJO Bar & Cafe and Challenge Okinawa (The 100 Kata Event, international seminars etc).

– Access to unique Okinawan cultural activities such as working in a awamori factory or with a master sanshin maker, exploring Okinawa’s mountain trails, or coastline on kayak, exploring Okinawa’s castles and caves, learn to cook traditional food etc.

If you are accepted into OKNP, the following will be provided for you:

– Personal online consultation and support from me during your entire stay in Okinawa.

Sounds good?

This is literally a dream come true for a young Karate Nerd.

However, OKNP is not a “walk in the park”.

You need to prove yourself worthy of this amazing opportunity.

The programme requires dedication and effort.

OKNP applicants need to:

– Be available to spend 6 – 12 months in Okinawa, starting no later than March 1st.

– Be aged 18 – 35 years old at time of applying.

– Ideally be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa in Japan, or at least able to obtain a 90 day tourist visa with funds to exit/reenter and renew visa after 90 days.

– Have funds to purchase a return ticket to Okinawa.

– Have sufficient funds to be able to support basic living expenses for 6 – 12 months (approximately $1000 US per month).

– Be absolutely committed to learning and working hard in Okinawa. This will be an incredible and also very challenging experience. Applicants must have open minds, open hearts and boundless enthusiasm. This programme will change your life. Trust me, I moved to Okinawa by myself when I was 20 years old. It changed me forever. If OKNP had existed back then, I would have applied in a heartbeat.

– Be committed to documenting their Okinawan Karate Nerd Programme experience through text, photos and video, in order to be shared on www.karatebyjesse.com, www.dojobarnaha.com, www.seishin-international.com along with associated websites and social media. The applicant grants the licence to freely use this content without charge or expectations by all parties.

– Be able to speak and write in English. No Japanese language skills needed (although it’s a plus).

30 Comments

Awwww this sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime!! Too bad I do not have the funds to go on this amazing expedition of culture, learning and self-conscient improvement. An amazing feat to be able to organise this!!

Karate has become my new found passion and I want to learn anything and everything about it " to climb Mt. Karate". Where do I submit the application form to begin the process? Thank you very much for this opportunity.

This sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime. If I had the funds, I'd be willing to take a leave of absence from my career in order to pursue this. I'd have to diligently save for a couple of years before this would be a possibility. Sadly, I'm 35, and right on the cusp of applying. Please consider raising the age limit in the future, Jesse-san!

Wow, I just read this full post and realized a total of nine people won the chance of a lifetime. Even though the additional seven do not get the full support package it appears they will still get enough support and help needed so they too can come to this beautiful island and train. Congratulations!I am a local resident here on the island (US Army Vet married to Okinawan wife). I train in Okinawa Kenpo and would love to train with any of those in the program (or anyone else that is an overall good person that visits the island).If I can be of any assistance feel free to reach out to me on Facebook.
Josh Simmers
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009688811606

Osu Jesse,
I started Karate when I was 14 and and been a Ronin until I met my Master Hanshi Andy Barber in Nelson in another form of Karate called Seido. I only then did my 1st Dan. I am 60 years old now and spending 6 months in Okinawan sounds like a good place to find my Do. You are right I should explore that path by myself. Perhaps we could meet over there ?
Osu and continue the good work :-)
best regards
Jose